State Troopers Armed With Tear Gas Guard Capitol

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - State troopers armed with tear gas canisters, pepper spray and batons are among dozens of officers guarding the Capitol in Lansing as the right-to-work battle heats up in Michigan.

Michigan State Police riot gear in the Capitol Building.

Credit Courtesy / MPRN

About 20 troopers alone were assembled in front the House chamber doors on Tuesday as protesters gathered in the rotunda area and hallways in anticipation that lawmakers would finalize divisive right-to-work legislation.

Several of the troopers in front of the House doors were armed with tear gas canisters, pepper spray and batons.

Majority Republicans muscled right-to-work legislation through the House and Senate in a single day last week and were expected to take final action Tuesday. Republican Gov. Rick Snyder has vowed to sign it.